Spend or save?

Spend it!

I would definitely go for it if it’s something that will be practical and, as they say, bring you joy! My kitchen fine but we’ve done other things recently which make things easier, new drive, automatic garage doors, new carpets, flooring etc, new blinds. We also have a couple of streaming services as we don’t go out as much. Thankfully our AC encourage us! If it would give you pleasure and make life easier go ahead! Let us know what you decide!

I know a couple who got to age 84, and regretted not having updated their kitchen.
She lived for another 4 years, and he lived for another 8.

Norah

Perhaps fit the kitchen yourselves?

We diy most home projects, but I suppose some may not.

Savings would be large, I'd imagine.

We've refitted kitchens, done a lot of DIY, dug trenches for an extension but no more!!

There are no pockets in shrouds.

DH did our electrics and lighting. You'd think he was back in the theatre, we have spotlights and pendant lights everywhere! But he saved us a fair bit of money. He won't touch plumbing. 🚰 💧

Go for it, there’s milkier a new kitchen that’s been designed exactly how you want it.
Our current house is the only one where we didn’t put a new kitchen in. Although we did replace the cooker and one unit.

Milkier!!! Is that even a word? I typed ‘ nothing like ‘!

Go ahead, you’ll be so happy with your new kitchen. Well, it’s not a completely new kitchen if you’re having doors replaced, so I don’t necessarily think the quote is suspiciously cheap. However, I would definitely get another couple of quotes.
Incidentally, when people talk about ‘saving all their life’ what amount have they saved? I own my 3 bedroom, semi detached house in the SE, but don’t have more than a few thousand in savings. There are things I’d like to do to the house, but am happy with the 10 year old kitchen and the decorating is done regularly.

Whilst I agree their are no pockets in a shroud, opinions vary on whether or not a kitchen is a good use for savings. If it's will see me out, No.

I questioned diy because our daughts have saved using my husband as fitter. Some people do diy, others do not, we do.

Not everyone is up to doing diy in their 70s Norah. My OH is very capable, but at 79 would choose to have a recommended, professional company to carry out the work. However, he would be there to overseer it!

If it will make your life easier as you age I would go for it. I would agree on getting a few quotes, though, and really thinking through what you want. Future proofing your house is frittering money away.

We used our savings to install solar panels and a battery - the plan is to reduce our outgoings as we get older, as our income and savings will be worth less and less. The money we are saving on not paying for electricity is going back into our savings.

Patsy70

Not everyone is up to doing diy in their 70s Norah. My OH is very capable, but at 79 would choose to have a recommended, professional company to carry out the work. However, he would be there to overseer it!

I'm certain you are correct, someday my husband will merely oversee. I was making an observation to costs of a new kitchen.

Blimey - just read what I wrote above.

I meant to say 'Future proofing your house is not frittering your money away.'

Norah

Whilst I agree their are no pockets in a shroud, opinions vary on whether or not a kitchen is a good use for savings. If it's will see me out, No.

I questioned diy because our daughts have saved using my husband as fitter. Some people do diy, others do not, we do.

What, still in your 80s? 😲

Well, I suppose DH was too, but not big jobs like replacing a kitchen, however, he knows his limits now.

Patsy 70 ,we own a 3 bedroom detached house in the north and have thousands saved.
Think we might spend, as replies say we can't take it

Someone upthread mentioned her DH did all the electrics. That’s one job that shouldn’t be D.I.Y. It’s dangerous and I believe any electrical work has to be signed off by a qualified electrician.
I’m sure he’s qualified, but I was just saying ……

Spend it! Have fun choosing what you want, get quotes to compare and go for it. My mum didn’t and instead the entire value of her house and her lifetime of savings have been gobbled up by care home fees. She should have spent at least some of it on some pleasures in her life.

Another thought is that by spending on a kitchen, you’re providing work for someone and contributing to boosting the economy.

Maybe a holiday rather than a kitchen?

crazyH

Someone upthread mentioned her DH did all the electrics. That’s one job that shouldn’t be D.I.Y. It’s dangerous and I believe any electrical work has to be signed off by a qualified electrician.
I’m sure he’s qualified, but I was just saying ……

My DH has done electrics too. He was trained along with his marine engineering qualifications and knows exactly what he is doing but is not a qualified electrician so we had to pay to have the work signed off by a qualified electrician.

Qualified electricians fitted the underfloor heating in our conservatory and it kept shorting out so we had to pay someone else to come in to sort it out.
Another one fitted the under cupboard lights upon our new kitchen and has left wires hanging down.

Quite honestly, DH could do a better job.

My own maxim is if borrowing rate is higher than inflation restrict spending, if borrowing cost is lower get a fixed rate and spend.
It's just as relevant if you are spending savings or borrowing more

crazyH

Someone upthread mentioned her DH did all the electrics. That’s one job that shouldn’t be D.I.Y. It’s dangerous and I believe any electrical work has to be signed off by a qualified electrician.
I’m sure he’s qualified, but I was just saying ……

Don't worry. DH was a qualified stage lighting technician and knows every wire in several London West End theatres. It involves rigging and strict adherence to health and safety regulations.
Yes, doing the electrics in your own kitchen is not a DIY job.
The good thing was, I got the creative element thrown in too!

dollydaydream68

Patsy 70 ,we own a 3 bedroom detached house in the north and have thousands saved.
Think we might spend, as replies say we can't take it

Good idea! Enjoy it.

dollydaydream68

Patsy 70 ,we own a 3 bedroom detached house in the north and have thousands saved.
Think we might spend, as replies say we can't take it

I think that is a brilliant idea. Go ahead and enjoy it! 🥳

Spend nothing like baking in a nice new kitchen